Media members perform 25th Gridiron show

Society of Professional Journalists Gridiron is 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in McAllister auditorium.

News professionals poke fun at newsmakers in comedy skits.

By Emily Rodriguez

erodriguez734@student.alamo.edu

“50 Shades of SA” is the theme of the 25th Gridiron comedy show at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts.

Gridiron is a variety show put on by the San Antonio chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, poking fun at the popular national and local news of the year.

This college’s student chapter is assisting with the production, which raises money for scholarships for journalism students.

The show consists of skits, videos and musical parody.

SPJ President Eva Ruth Moravec, San Antonio Express-News reporter, said the show is comparable to “Saturday Night Live” and “Cornyation,” a pageant spoof on Fiesta royal courts.

“We are just a little bit more across the board, satirical. We make fun of everyone this year, and we’re having a great time doing it,” she said. “We’re hoping that it is a funny experience for everyone.”

The theme is based on the popular trilogy “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E. L. James, featuring BDSM, or bondage, domination, discipline, submission, sadism and masochism in sex play.

“It’s an extremely popular book that continues to make headlines,” Moravec said. “It’s relevant, and it’s racy, and it kind of foreshadows the content for this year’s show, and how we’re taking it a little bit further than last year.”

The show is written, produced and performed by members of local news media outlets.

“Different people contribute to the writing process. Some cast members write skits, others are written by a committee. Some of the videos — those ideas come from those who do video. They just come from all over,” Moravec said.

Proceeds from ticket sales will fund scholarships for journalism students in the San Antonio area.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://sanantoniospj.ticketbud.com/gridiron. Early bird tickets can be purchased for $20 through Saturday.

Tickets can be purchased for $25 Sept. 15-19 and at the door.

For more information, visit the Gridiron’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/146880682186198/ or call Moravec at 210-422-9737.